College is an exciting time of self-discovery and exploring new freedoms and responsibilities. If you are living on your own for the first time, it can be challenging to learn how to manage your schedule, set your priorities and balance your coursework with a part-time job and your social life. For some students, college is also their first opportunity to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Parties are a common part of college life on many campuses, and you might begin drinking to loosen up and find the confidence to meet new people. For others, recreational drinking and drug use provides a temporary escape from the academic and financial stresses that can accompany the college experience. However, substance use can quickly cross the line and become problematic, to the point where you need to seek treatment.

Staying Sober Means Putting Yourself First

When you first begin pursuing sobriety, you enter a drug and alcohol rehab treatment center to address the root causes that have kept you stuck in the cycle of addictive behavior. Through medical detox, therapy, 12-step groups, life skills training and relapse prevention education, you build the toolkit you need to return to college life, while continuing to grow and strengthen your sobriety. You may believe you are “healed” when you get discharged from treatment, but some of the most challenging work in recovery begins when you resume your normal routine. You will quickly learn the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing your needs. Though it can be challenging to set aside time for self-care among the various demands on your time college creates, clearing your schedule for activities like exercise, meditation and getting a full night’s sleep is imperative to your sustained sobriety. Even once you’ve accepted that recovery is a lifelong process, you will still encounter moments where you find your motivation flagging. Life happens, and your commitments to your school, work and family responsibilities may begin taking a higher priority over your recovery. While this is completely understandable, not being able to find ways to put your recovery first can threaten your hard-won sobriety.

Tips for Emphasizing Your Recovery

Are you looking for practical ways to remain in control of your sobriety in college? Here are three tricks you can follow.

• Create a daily schedule and learn to stick to it. Include healthy activities that bolster your recovery goals, such as fitness and fun sober hobbies.
• Continue attending individual and group therapy that will enable you to grow as a person and help you remain confident that you have chosen the right path.
• Have a sober support network that keeps you accountable. Lean on them when you feel your enthusiasm waning.

Addiction Recovery Is Within Your Reach

Many substance abusers, including college students, are reluctant to get treatment for drug and alcohol misuse because they don’t believe their problem is severe enough to warrant help. However, the earlier you begin to pursue recovery, the more likely it is that you will succeed in your goals of achieving long-term sobriety. If drug and alcohol use has become an obstacle in your pursuit of a college degree, Spearhead Lodge can help you achieve your goals and lay the groundwork for a brighter future. Our men’s-only program provides a customized treatment approach to addiction recovery. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer.